What last years New Year Resolutions gave me . . .

Kira and Jeff ~ October 18, 2008

Last year, 2008, I made a short list of things I wanted to accomplish.
Here is how it read:

1. join a book club
2. join a writing class
3. write and blog more
4. hand make daughter's wedding invitations
5. expand my circle by finding new women friends who share more of my personal interests
6. volunteer more
7. focus on improving finances
8. do more photography
   

So how did I do?

#8
This one is something I do without thinking about. The Canon is usually hanging out where ever I go.

#1 & #5
The third week into January 2008, I received a call from a woman I have known for many years. Her husband and I were work friends long before their marriage. I think of Karen as a friend and extended family, yet we were never particularly close. She invited me to join her and two other women if I was interested in forming a book club. I was ecstatic. Bingo! The four of us have had a wonderful year bonding. New and expanded friendships emerged and deepened as we have done much more than explore books together.

#3, #6 & #5
I started this blog and also one for The Bridal Veil Historical Preservation Society. I got involved with BVHPS last summer working on their fund raising auction. Their goal is to move the Bridal Veil post office, which is the 2nd smallest post office in America! I designed and made 200 handmade invitations for this event. Being on the committee yielded more new women in my life that I enjoy spending time with.

#4
My lovely Kira never wants center stage so it was a huge relief when she and Jeff decided NOT to elope. First we had a summer engagement party in my little farm's garden meadow. I handmade around 100 invitations. I incorporated peacock feathers and dimensional dragonflies into the design since both hold a special place in my heart and Kira's too.

Her stunning fall wedding was ocean side and limited to immediate family. I only needed to make two dozen or so of these invites. I used yummy card stock adorned with real peacock feathers, tucked inside antique gold organza button envelopes, bundled all into pearlized outer mailing envelopes to complete each individual invitation. It was great fun when recipients called with positive comments!

This year I have not made any such list, only to expand what I accomplished last year while imposing a strict focus to gain control of #7.

By the way, #2 has jump started 2009. Yesterday I attended a women's writing group at Clackamas Community College. It has been meeting for a decade or more! Near by, free, well organized and now part of my life. #5 too. Life is good.

I hope yours is also blessed. -kt